Fast food giant looks to grab busiest corner in town

One of America’s largest fast food chains, McDonald’s, is looking to move its golden arches in Fallbrook from South Main Avenue to the busiest corner in town – where Ammunition and South Mission roads intersect.

Various items regarding the proposed new restaurant site went before the Fallbrook Community Planning Group (FCPG) at its February 18 meeting and gained approval with only minimal adjustments to the plans.

While McDonald’s affiliates have said the new 3,590 square foot restaurant will allow for faster service to the community, the people who own and work for the three businesses currently located on the property are worried about their livelihood after the bulldozer erases them from the property which is owned by individuals in the Los Angeles area.

Those businesses are Happy Jug Liquor, Smog Bros, and Main Place bar. Owners of these businesses made their feelings known at the February 18 meeting.

In an interview prior to the meeting, Rawia Elfarra, whose family has owned Happy Jug Liquor for 30 years, said, “This is really killing us; it’s greedy and it’s devastating. These businesses feed several local families.”

FCPG member Eileen Delaney, who heads up the Design Review Committee, said, “On one hand, we are sad to see old businesses go, but on the other hand, it will be a nice beautification for the town; there will be large, beautiful trees along the perimeter.”

Delaney said McDonald’s representatives told her they want to start the project in June. “They said based on that they would have the restaurant operational around October. They really want to move forward quickly.”

Elfarra said she was particularly disappointed when she went to a recent Fallbrook Community Planning Group meeting with a petition in hand signed by 700 local residents opposing the new construction plan.

“[The members of the planning group] would not even look at my petition; all they seemed to care about was what types of trees McDonald’s was going to plant,” said Elfarra. “I was so disappointed in how closed-minded they were.”

Josue Gonzalez, who co-owns Smog Bros with Mo Elfarra, said they will seek to move their business to another location in town, but are concerned about how soon they may have to vacate the current premises.

“We have been looking at some options,” said Mo Elfarra.

Gonzalez said in looking at the changes proposed on South Mission relating to the new plot plan for the property, he is concerned about emergency vehicle access through the juncture of the two busy roads.

“It’s already a problem and this change looks like it will make it worse,” said Gonzalez.

Rawia Elfarra also voiced her opinion over the negative impact she felt McDonald’s would bring to the already-problematic intersection.

“The traffic and accidents at this corner are horrible already; I am always worried about people getting hit,” said Elfarra. “With the Base traffic and McDonald’s moving here, it’s going to be a nightmare.”

Dan McGrath, who owns the Main Place bar with his wife, Judy, agreed with the other business owners about the potential traffic impact.

“I don’t know what the County engineers are thinking about in allowing this, given the traffic in this location,” said McGrath.

The future outlook for the three businesses is mixed. At least two of the three (Happy Jug and Smog Bros) no longer have leases in effect and are on a month-to-month tenancy basis.

The owners of Smog Bros said they intend to move their shop, which has proved to be very popular with consumers and is not quite as complex as relocating a liquor-selling or serving establishment.

“We will definitely be looking to relocate to another spot in Fallbrook,” said Gonzalez. “If the project moves that fast, it sure doesn’t give us much notice.”

McGrath said things aren’t looking positive for him to relocate his business.

“I’ve been looking around and don’t see anything available anywhere here that would be that likely for us to move to,” he said.

Elfarra is uncertain about the fate of Happy Jug Liquor.

“We don’t know where we are going – we certainly haven’t found another place; it would cost $40,000 just to build the coolers we need,” she said. “We have such a loyal clientele and our customers are so disappointed in what’s happening. All the locals are telling us they don’t want this change, that it’s bad for Fallbrook.”

Elfarra said it’s not only concern for her family business that has her distressed; it’s for the many organizations they allow to hold fundraising car washes on the premises in order to earn funds for activities and special causes.

“We host a lot of high school fundraisers here; we always let them have their car washes and I pay the water bill for them, because it’s something we can do for the community,” she explained. “People are asking me where they will be able to hold their car washes and I don’t know.” Elfarra said she has also allowed members of the military to hold car washes so they can raise money to attend their military ball.

Working with McDonald’s locally on key issues has primarily rested on Delaney and FCPG circulation committee chairperson Anne Burdick.

Burdick said, “We had anticipated obstacles primarily because of huge concerns about that intersection, but the McDonald’s people could not have been more accommodating.” Burdick said all challenges were met by the McDonald’s representatives saying “How can we make this work?”

“[The committee] feels very upbeat about how this is going to enhance that whole corner,” said Burdick. “We know the current occupants (businesses) are disappointed and upset that they will no longer be there, but it is going to be completely developed with new landscaping, lots of beautiful new trees.”

When asked if she anticipates an added traffic impact at the site, Burdick said, “There is bound to be slowing as cars come in and out. I think our major concern was at both access points (South Main and South Mission) – both avenues of access are pretty congested at peak times.”

Burdick said McDonald’s counter statement to that concern was improved speed of service.

“They said they can get people in and out really fast with the new design they are putting in,” she said. “They also said if their customers aren’t happy, they won’t come back and that they will do everything they can to make the traffic circulation work well.”

Burdick said the construction work itself is bound to have an impact.

“There will be a construction period where lanes on South Mission and South Main will be impacted; I’m not sure of the time period for the impact yet,” she said.

The reasons McDonald’s has to move its operation to that particular corner could be many, but Burdick said she was told the company wanted “a new, more modern, efficient restaurant.”

“They claim this will be a ‘new generation’ style McDonald’s and they will be able to handle a greater capacity at a greater speed,” she added.

Final traffic design approval will be determined by the County Dept. of Public Works.

In working with McDonald’s on its exterior design, Delaney said the FCPG wanted to be sure the new restaurant had “a rural look.”

“Our big concern was we didn’t want the ‘big city’ look of McDonald’s; we wanted it more in tune with our rural town,” she said.

“They now have an exterior design that includes rock, stone, and other natural materials,” said Delaney. “We asked them to remove some signs from the plan, lower some of the signs in height, and place some signs in stonework.”

“They’ve been very easy to work with for the most part,” she said.

The current McDonald’s location at 1050 S. Main Ave. will be remodeled, primarily to remove trademark roof design, arches, and more.

“McDonalds refers to it as ‘de-arching,’” said Delaney. “They will be taking the old roof off and put one of different design on, taking arches and other branding symbols down, and then they will put that property up for sale.”

Writer’s Note: Numerous phone messages left for McDonald’s representatives as well as the owner of the property, for comments in regards to the plan, were not returned.

Rawia Elfarra stands in front of her family

Josue Gonzalez, left, and Mo Elfarra, right, are the owners of Smog Bros.

I think that it would be good for McDonalds to move to the new site. Since I’ve been in Fallbrook, some of these places have been busted for selling to under age people. So, so-long, good-bye, good-to-know-ya.

FCPG member Eileen Delaney: “On one hand, we are sad to see old businesses go, but on the other hand, it will be a nice beautification for the town; there will be large, beautiful trees along the perimeter.”

Beautification for the town? This member should be voted off the board.

Have to say that the two ladies representing the planning group on this issue come off sounding like a couple of snobs. That being said, the bar that occupies that location has been known as the “local dive” for as long as I can remember. Every time I go by it there are always several less than savory looking characters loitering out front smoking. I don’t think that place will be any big loss to the community. As far as Happy Jug goes, I have been in Fallbrook since 1972 and have been in there only twice. I rarely eat fast food but I don’t blame MacDonalds for wanting to move away from their present location where gang bangers hang out on the hill above it. Wonder what will go in that site now…. Del Taco? Wendy’s?

So your worried about a new McDonalds building replacing a dive bar and liquor store and how that’s going to negatively impact the community? Are you kidding me? While I fully support small business over corporations, I know very well the fights, drunks and drugs that are an issue. I witness it all the time while getting street tacos with my kids. Replacing a taco truck (they are awesome street tacos!) with a McDonalds is not good for the locals but replacing a liquor store and bar is. I hope the taco truck and smog store can find a new location. Just saying.

Comment #2 Well now, you are new to town. Happy Jug has been around since 1970s and I hate to see it go. As for selling to under age people (any establishment) you cant blame the whole establishment for a clerks error.

Mc Donalds is the last thing we need on that corner. It’s going to create more traffic problems on both sides of Mission now in the mornings. The traffic is bad enough now because of the base. Mc Donalds food is junk anyway I wouldn’t care if they left town all together!

I agree with #7, in the fact that we do not need a busy business on this corner. However, we do not need the “Happy Jug” either. This looks like the pit of the area, not to mention the truck that usually sells more than burrito’s on the weekends. I think the liquor store’s time has run out. I think using that corner for something more positive, would be the best route to take. I suggest a recruiting office for the military, or maybe even a border patrol center. This would get this town on track, what say you?

Tell me you are all kidding me. For any of these businesses to get a buy out by a major corporation like McDonalds in this economy has a complete blessing for them. Can you imagine being able to unload any property in Fallbrook right now without losing your shirt? This would be great for them.

Let’s take the busiest corner in town, where there are already traffic jams continually as well as a multitude of accidents monthly, and put a McDonald’s that has daily line-ups on the street where it is now. Boy, that makes sense… Also sad to see that the once locally owned McDonald’s is owned by an out of town corporation…LA, no less.

I acknowledge that “progress” is inevitable–the tearing down of older buildings and replacing them with newer ones. And I realize a liquor store and a bar may not be the perfect businesses. But traffic at that intersection is bad now. I would prefer the corner remain in it’s present unbeautiful state, and traffic remain bad, as opposed to gridlock.

When asked if she anticipates an added traffic impact at the site, Burdick said, “There is bound to be slowing as cars come in and out. I think our major concern was at both access points (South Main and South Mission)

HAHA you think they care for age na na na all they care is for $$$$$$$$ , they do that anywhere !!! ,
I LOOOVE HAPPY JUGS , that’s the place to go when u got munchies lol , and town would just not be the same without it …that is were all car wash’s are and nope nope mcdonalds just stay were you at!! HAHA

why do we need a bigger and better unhealthy food place. put aside the businesses and the familys affected for a moment, and try to find a justifiable reason that it is so necessary we be fed ridiculously unhealthy food. they are making it seem so so benificial for everyone in fallbrook. there main target is the military personel that fight for our freedom. this is one of there main intentions especially when you bring up the part of the intersection traffic to them. the new cement divider on mission which is so so needed for fast service, cause its so important, that they hope it will attract them in on there way home. great so we are feeding the people that defend us JUNK! you actually think this is going to give back to our community? heck no! wait till the ambulances and fire trucks get stuck because they can no longer get into the oncoming traffics lane to get to the emergency because mcdonalds felt we so so are in need of this speedy service. and more than likely it will be someone having a heart attack from there food. this intersection is going to suck and so will the new one on mission at aviation when that light is installed as well. I want to see someone say they garauntee it will not affect emergency vehicles at all, that they are willing to put up the health cost if it does for whom ever they end up hurting or preventing aid on time. i bet you not one of you have the guts. if you do come find one of those business owners affected in person and say so. fast food is losing popularity anyways and will continue to do so as people are realizing how bad it is for you. look at the statistics if you dont believe me. its just as bad for you as going to the bar. if not maybe worse over long term. i cant wait till i move out of this town now. its run by chains and ruining it completly. good luck everyone criminals will be able to get away much easier do to the new intersection as well. all they have to do now is run by foot and make it through the intersection and the police wont be able to do anything because they will be stuck behind cars and cement dividers.

I think a beautiful building and landscaping will be a welcome site. Are you people kidding me? You’d prefer a run down liquor store and dirty parking lot instead? What is wrong with you? Try to start thinking about what is good for town. I wonder if people in Poway or Temecula would argue to keep a run down liquor store instead of a nice new building with a respected business and landscaping? Sheesh, unbelievable.
GOOD JOB PLANNING BOARD!!!

FCPG member Eileen Delaney, who heads up the Design Review Committee, said, "On one hand, we are sad to see old businesses go, but on the other hand, it will be a nice beautification for the town; there will be large, beautiful trees along the perimeter."

Sorry, but trees along the perimeter, beautiful or not, will not make McDonald’s attractive.

NOOOOOOOOOO! No McDonalds! What a sell-out! Just who do these planning group folks think they are making these ‘goofy’ and short sighted decisions? No! No! No!!!! Oh good heavens people – wake up and smell the grease!

But isn’t that the place that let’s schools do fundraising car washes? It would be a shame to lose a business that supports the community like that. That sure won’t happen with McD’s there (although a car wash while in the drive thru would be cool).

Agree w/8 & 10. What if it was In & Out? Now your’e talking! That whole corner is an eyesore and it is the entrance to town. In thirty years I’ve never been in any of those business’s, including Arco. Get rid of them too. Why? Cause that friggin traffic triangle cluster is a mess. The base outranks McDonalds, the priority should be moving base traffic in and out of town as smoothly as possible. The beautiful trees could easily be part of that traffic plan. Does the county know about this? Just kidding.

What no one here seems to understand is, that this is a decision made by the property owner (the businesses there now are merely renters) and the owners of the MacDonalds franchise. In order to get permission to put a MacDonalds at that corner they have to go before the County of San Diego and get a permit to do so. The FCPG (planning group) is merely the middle man. The county asks them for their input and after various studies and changes they said okay. The Planning group didn’t come up with this idea they were merely asked for input. What it comes down to is the right of the property owner to do what he wishes with his own piece of property if the county approves it (and frankly, there is really no reason the county would say no) I know that the MacDonalds here in town was originally owned by a Fallbrook family so they must have sold it (??) while I certainly feel sorry for the businesses involved (not the seedy bar though) renters who are renting month to month have to realize that things like this are possible. The property owner is going for the big bucks. Just FYI everyone, neither the planning group nor the county care one whit about signed petitions, they just don’t fit into their decision making. I hope and pray that Happy Jug finds a new home in town. Good luck Elfara family, you are very nice people.

The owner of Happy Jug referred to this action of McDonald’s going in that location as "greedy"? Um, the property owner in L.A. Is the one who has the authority to sell his property to whomever he wants. I think it’s a great idea….bad economy and he is probably older now and done owning the property. Tis has itching to do with being "greedy". What a shameful word used to describe a property owner who you have leased from faithfully for over 30 years. This is not McDonalds being "greedy"…. They don’t own the property. It’s not up to them. Choose your words more wisely. I think this will be a great change. Unfortunately, a lot of the local drunkards pick up their alcohol from Happy Jug. I know they will just go somewhere else, but at least it’s a step in the right direction for this direct, local area.

I am a third generation Fallbrook resident, and as such, have seen many changes, both good and bad in our little town. This would be a BAD change. I do not want the first thing I see when I come into the south end of town to be the "Golden Arches" of McDonalds. I would much rather see the small mom and pop businesses, that Fallbrook is always stating they support. If McDonalds wants a more modern building, why don’t they tear down the old one that opened 33 years ago and build it in the original location. McDonalds doesn’t care about Fallbrook, their money doesn’t stay here. But Happy Jug, Main Place, still thought of by many as Ed’s, and Smog Bros. are local families, and this is their livelihood. The economy is bad enough without taking bread out of local families mouths for another fast food joint. Looks like I may be attending some meetings on this one!

I am also a long time resident of Fallbrook Diane, not as long as you of course, only about 40 years, but I have to say that if my choice is having a run down seedy bar at that location or a McDonalds, I will choose the McDonalds. I don’t think there will be any more meetings in Fallbrook about it because the planning group has already approved the plans, I think the next step is at the county level, there may be a meeting in San Diego before final approval. I feel bad for the Elfara’s but unfortunately these things happen and if the owner of the property wants to lease the property to McDonalds that is his or her decision. I hate to see many of the changes that have and are happening in Fallbrook but this one sounds like a good one and frankly I think that people coming into town from the south will be happier to see a McDonalds than a liquor store and dive bar. Now if we could just do something about the east end of town.

First of all with Fallbrook resembling Detroit in the amount of vacant commercial space available, Mc Donalds can find another location. A good spot would be the vacant lots over by the motels. Besides that intersection has always been a death trap. As for the gangs, they just relocate to the new location. A big and ugly sign will be erected. I guess certain signage is permitted while others are not. Maybe that is why Fallbrook resembles the motor city.

McDonalds is unhealthy food at dirt cheap prices; they do not need to move to the busiest intersection in town and make it even busier and cause gridlock. I say tear down the current businesses there but put something useful at the location, maybe a family fun center, upgraded community center, or something useful. The last thing this town needs is another grocery store or substandard fast food chain. The nation already has enough obesity problems, why make this food even more accessible or convenient? Does anyone else agree?

Awwww come on Debbie. How come others can critique the planing group but I can’t. They are elected public officials and fossils was nice and appropriate comment.

VILLAGE NEWS RESPONDS: You can’t do it in a specific name-calling way. The way in which you wrote it generically above is passable – not that I agree with that term as being socially appropriate. Example: I would be an example of a “fossil.” You can’t say “That Debbie Ramsey is a fossil.” You can say “Those people at the newspaper are fossils.” —Debbie Ramsey

This is two different people- the owners of the shop LEASE the land and as far I know live and employee people in Fallbrook, The OWNER of the land lives in LA., no local connection, What we are doing is ridding three store owners and their employees of jobs; and replacing the MCD with a new one- maybe move the Jug and bar to there?

Fallbrook used to be a "village", distinct. We had few cooporate owned stores, with time we are looking more and more like Vista or O’side. We failed to support teh Italian bakery, and other businesses so we are stuck with yet another fast food opion in that local – MCd, Burger King, Carl’s Taco Bell – all within a few hundres meters of each other

This is America. The owners of that property can sell it to whomever they wish. The owners of the affected businesses could have bought the property if they had wanted to, but didn’t. I have lived in Fallbrook since the fifties and will be glad to see that corner improved by a well planned restaurant. Now if we could only get rid of the "Cheap Cigarettes" sign and a few tattoo parlors. But this is America, That won’t happen.

2. This is nice for base traffic, since service members are prohibited from getting out of their cars while in uniform and all the existing drive thrus aren’t on the north bound "heading home" side of mission, but on the opposite side of the street. I’m surprised really that there is no drive thru coffee option on the south bound "going into work" side for the morning commute; they’d make a killing.

That’s where your wrong Pooh Stinks, the owners of this property wouldn’t even negotiate a long term lease knowing that once they baited the corporate thugs of McDonalds and negotiate a larger dollar amount than any ma or pa business could, read the fine print pal. This has been in the works for sometime now. Once again driving out the smaller businesses. If the land owners cared so much about the eyesore that its been for years they would have reinvested the money and done some improvements. I don’t think they care or ever cared or they would have done something about it long ago. I think the owners were waiting for grandma and grandpa to die so that they could be willed the property and pounce on the opportunity. This is real estate 101 open your eyes. Look at the old money in this town it’s everywhere.

I am one of those business owners, specifically Smog Bros! Honestly as far as us having to relocate, well we were warned and infofmed of this when we first opened. So me being against the fast food has nothing to do with us having to relocate. If anything its finally our chance to expand, grow and remove limitations. Which I am absolutely fine with. although after seeing what concerns board members had at there meeting was a joke. They were actually worried if they should open the dining room 24 hrs or not. That was a one area they actually voted on. They have absolutely no say of when a business is open. Yet this is what there time was spent arguing. And when other issues were brought up, some “elected official” would cut you off and say they are done discussing that. Dumbs comment above nailed it on the spot when mentioning the problems with ambulances, fire trucks etc having difficulties getting by. I asked them at the meeting if they ever even took the time to sit there for a day and watch. Of course they jumped up and said yes on several occasions they have but I’ve never ever seen them hang out for more than the Time it takes to use the cross walk. They couldnt even keep from stuttering and of course said , I think we are done with this topic. Whats the point on having these so called open forum meetings if your going to be close minded. I could care less on relocating, but to be made felt like I had no rights and cheated of my chance to express my concerns with fair opportunity is B.S. working where I was fortunate enough to begin establishing our business was a blessing that I soaked up as much as possible by meeting as many people possible and using it as wisely as I could. Im fortunate to of had the opportunity and thank any one that took the time to give us a chance. Absolutely Loved it and wish any business fortunate enough to use that intersection the best because if you dont make it there, then you have no one to blame but yourself.

I’ve read all the above comments and found many on each side of the issue to be valid and constructive … except for the responses by those two FCPG members: they were totally off the point. Ignoring a petition shows how they feel about the people they are supposed to serve. The most revealing fact was that McDonald’s had not responded to any of the questions asked by our local paper. And the best suggestion (in my view) was that if we want a big chain restaurant at that location, let’s bring one of the numerous better ones that we have to go out of town to enjoy. Is this the best our C of C was able to do? Shame! We may yet have a say and a defining one: by completely bypassing this new, bigger, faster McD. Then they will very quickly have to close here and give way to a better, less obstruse business. And we’ll still have the trees.

Everyone ranting about how the owner has a right to sell to who he wants to, yes he does but that still does not mean that myself or everyone else in Fallbrook wants a Mc D’s on that corner.

The traffic will get worse. As it is now it’s hard to get into the Albertsons center in the morning because of all the people trying to get on base. The right hand turn from Mission onto Ammunition they just keep rolling thru regardless if traffic is turning left from Mission and that whole intersection clogs up because of it and now a Mc D’s on the opposite corner. What a MESS!

An excellent article!! You let the heartless condemn themselves with their own words!! McD can stay where it is, they don’t need that location. Fallbrook needs their small businesses — they are the heartbeat of the community.

I’m not sure who John Q is referring to when he says "members of the planning group" but just in case he was talking about me and my comments let me assure everyone that I am not now and never have been a member of the FCPG. I am a citizen of many years however and have attended numerous planning group meetings, have also been to county meetings and let me tell you that they do not care about petitions!! I have signed a couple, both were ignored first by the FCPG and also the board of supervisors. I was only making a point. Also Lazzboy, I’m sorry but you are wrong.This is the United States of America. Property rights are one of our rights as a free people. I didn’t particularly like it when my neighbors painted their house the color that they did but hey….guess what… it is their house. I don’t care if the owner of the property lives in Timbuc 2 he/she is still the owner. If they chose the big money by accepting McDonalds offer, so be it. I am truly sorry for the Elfarra’s but life isn’t always fair. As far as this project goes it appears to be, for all intents and purposes, a done deal. I have a feeling the county is going to make Mickey D’s pay for some road changes at that intersection so it may end up being a good thing.

I hate that the traffic will be worst which makes it harder on the people who live near by in all the apartment complexes..which are mostly military. It’s not too big of a deal to drive over to the side of the street for the existing McDonald’s..is it?

Oh well,can we please get a panda express or Wendy’s or Popeye’s..something new in town at the old location??

Agreed traffic will be a total mess. I pass this intersection on days I do errands and can’t imagine the line of cars this will produce. Already there is a line on Main trying to get into McDonald’s daily. Traffic will indeed be out of control between the military, commuters, customers to Fresh and Easy parking lot and customers to McDonalds. Question…..if everyone agrees that McD’s is trash food, why do they get so much business???

If Fallbrookers really wanted small businesses to succeed, they would frequent small, local businesses. It is my observation that they do not. Just look at the line of cars down Main Street in front of the big fast-food emporiums. Brookers are voting with their pocketbooks.

My husband made an excellent point. Recently, the intersection was changed so now there is only ONE lane coming from base on Ammunition, crossing Mission giving access to Main. (And anyone traveling this way will have noticed the change). Military traffic (and anyone for that matter) has been discouraged from crossing Mission to get onto Main (and this is precisely where McD’s is located). Seriously, this light to cross Mission allows maybe a few cars to get through and then promptly turns red and there used to be 2 lanes, now only 1. It is very frustrating. I bet McD’s noticed a decline in their business once this change was made. So, now….they want to move!

Everyone of you would sell the corner if you were the owner.All the other places, even in and out is junk food. Fallbrook planing group does not have much say. All anyone had to do is take it up in San Diego and if the law said it has the right zoning not alot can be done.(their is alot of things that have to be done too to be able to put in M D) If their was not so much crud behind M D they would might stay where the are.I think M D is at the bottom of the food change, I dont eat their.I was borned in Fallbrook 70 years ago. What Fallbrook needs to do is clean up all the low life and crud that goes on.

Geez you people! I do not understand why some of those commenting here don’t seem to understand that this wasn’t the towns decision! The "town" can’t tell the property owner who he is allowed to lease or sell his property to. Some brain trust even suggested that the "we" should tear down the existing businesses and put in a community center…what?? Who the heck is "we"? This is someones private property pal. Pink is right on, it doesn’t matter where the property owner resides they are still the property owner, how hard is that for some of you to grasp? This isn’t rocket science you know. As far as I’m concerned the traffic at that corner can’t get much worse than it is now and I avoid it like the plague at peak traffic times. I believe that the county will make McDonalds pay some big bucks for road improvement before they ok this project, and that’s a good thing. I’m sorry for Happy Jug folks and Smog Bros but would someone please explain to me what kind of dollars the low dive brings into our community??

Re Grunt and other’s FOND RECOLLECTIONS OF THE GOOD OLD DAYS-of Fallbrook.

I stopped thinking like that ( pining for the good old days) back when I was in friggen’ second grade…and realized that the same adults who created the atom bomb-told us that getting under our fragile tin and wooden tiny school desks-would protect us from an all out nuclear first strike from The Rooskies!

Ahhh, yes…the friggen’ good old days. Our days my friends, are numbered. Try to do good things…in between….the alpha and the omega.

Maybe what seems like a lack of small business support in fallbrook isnt any groups fault but more the lack of moral by the same residents that are a part of this community. Ever notice how negativity is contagious? Its pretty easy to be distracted from reality, especially when our culture is gone and socio-economic status motivates us. Keep it real everyone cause everything has its end

Eeehhhh……?.?.?. Who the heck says if zoning permits it they can do what they want? You are the typical corrupt politician. We do have a say, atleast were supposed to. You just forgot since you decided to keep your a-bomb techniques stored in your brain instead of the truth. If our local congressmen(s). Were not worth atleast 6-8 million by the time they hit 10years in office we would have the publics voice to atleast give anyone a fair chance to express concerns. Now I’m not talking about a mcdonalds boycott or anything, but when public safety is a concern of citizens our gov’t. Is supposed to be there for the people. Instead the printed ink on the federal reserves paper does all the deciding. If you really are concerned over an issue you should be able to write your local "congreassmen". Although now only if you can offer a gift larger than they can you won’t be heard. SO YOU WAKE UP! ANYONE THAT SAYS WHATS THE BIG DEAL, WELL I WISH I HAD THE OPPURTUNITY TO BE NEXT TO YOU WHEN YOUR CRYING CAUSE YOUR FUTURE OR VISIONS ARE BEING PEE’D ON SO I CAN LOOK AT YOU I IGNORANTLY AND SAY "WHATS THE BIG DEAL THEY CAN DO AS THEY PLEASE". IF THATS THE CASE IM GONNA OPEN A STRIP CLUB IN TOWN SO LONG AS THE PROPERTY OWNER IS COOL WITH RECIEVING LAP DANCES AS A PAY OFF.

Well "ill" the County of San Diego (government) says that if zoning permits you can do what you want with your property, that’s who. If you really want to open a lap dance bar you could probably put it where the Main Place is now IF you owned that property (which you do not) however you also would NOT be able to open the same strip club at your home because the zoning laws would prohibit it…get it yet? Honestly didn’t any of you people ever take an economics or goverments course in high school? You can do anything, within reason, with your private property if it is zoned correctly. I have patronized Happy Jug and I wouldn’t eat a Big Mac if you held a gun to my head but I firmly believe in free enterprise and in private property rights. If you all really believe in supporting local businesses why aren’t you downtown shopping on Main Street??

Well! That certainly explains why the Fallbrook McDs went w/out ice cream FOREVER! They kept telling customers "The machine is broken." Same thing about Frappes and Mochas too! They just didn’t want to fix equipment when they are about to get ALL new w/the move!

Check it out is correct. We can all say what we wish was going in there, but McDs is the one who made the offer to the owner. I’d take the offer in a heartbeat, especially in this economy. Greedy capitalism? Um, no, this is the free market. The owner is not being forced to sell.

For everyone’s information, the Happy Jug is much more than a liquor store. They are always giving back to the community by letting Fallbrook High School, fallbrook charities, and countless community members host car-washes for their fund raisers.

How impossible would it have been for all the Fallbrook families- to have raised the entire cost of their loved ones funerals, had it not been for the Happy Jug to graciously hosting their car washes? You people really think McDonald’s is going to do that for our community??? Not!

And I attended all the planning meetings regarding the McDonald’s being put in. I’m wondering if someone paid big bucks to get their “plans” passed? The Planning Group is a joke, a bunch of people who could care less about our community. The head honcho was sarcastic and talked down to everyone who had a legitimate concern about McDonald’s being put in there. I was disgusted with the Planning Group, as they don’t care about small businesses here in this town
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Oh, and as far as these businesses not buying the location, they have tried many times offering the owners a mint, but she wouldn’t budge. Nope, not one inch from the stores who leased from her for over 30 years. Had to lease to good ol’ McDonald’s. Mark my words folks-McDonald’s is just like a WalMart to our town. Another example of big corporations driving out small businesses and wrecking our economy even more.

All of you posting nasty comments about the Happy Jug, hope none of your relatives croak anytime soon. And if they do, God help you, that you have the money to pay for their funerals. Stuff happens, even to the best of us. Never know when one day you aren’t as lucky or wealthy as you are today. And if you aren’t, you bet your bottom dollar you’d wish Happy Jug was still here to help you.

Because you can bank on the fact that McDonald’s never does anything for the community. So how is that a benefit to our town? That’s right, it’s not.

My son got run over right in front of McDonald’s on Monday. All because some lady in an SUV was too busy stuffing her face with McDonald’s lard, and wasn’t paying attention. Wonder how many more horrible pedestrian accidents this new location will have? Especially since there is only one entry that doubles as an exit too. Talk about a traffic nightmare.

I feel sorry for our guys that work on Camp Pendleton. It will take them twice as long to get to work now. While this might not be an immediate threat to National Security, imagine when it is. How stupid would that be that our marines couldn’t get to their post to defend us in the even of an attack. Just saying. Nobody wants to think about it til it happens.

You obviously have no clue what the heck you are talking about. None of these businesses are getting a so called, “buy out money” from McDonald’s. Are you kidding me with that comment?!! McDonald’s isn’t buying jack. They are leasing only for the next God knows how many years. These businesses will lose all of their inventory unless they can either find a new location, or adequate storage etc. They also employ many local families, who will now be forced onto the unemployment lines.

And as far as local businesses selling to minors, so have clerks at several other places. So should we take them down to, just because Fallbrook cops have nothing better to do- than the easy sting? They go into a busy place, send in the decoy while the clerk is obviously distracted and overwhelmed with customers, and bam a nice $500 fine to the clerk, and a whopping $10,000.00 fine to the owner. While I certainly don’t condone selling alcohol to minors, clerks are human and busy. I am sure none of the Fallbrook businesses intended to sell any alcohol to minors.

I heard one of the Planning Committee members has a tree business that McDonald’s is purchasing all of their trees from.

And no business here will be getting any assistance from “McDonald’s buyout money”. McDonald’s is merely leasing also. And as far as the “dive” comments about the appearance of Happy Jug or the bar here, that’s the property owner’s responsibility people, not the tenants.

Oh yeah, and rest assured McDonald’s sure as heck won’t be doing a thing to benefit the community, no more car washes, no more fundraisers for schools, the military, or anybody. And they won’t be hiring anyone from Fallbrook either.

And yes, the property owners can lease to whomever they choose. It’s just too bad they didn’t accept the offer from all these businesses to meet and beat the McDonald’s lease. Especially since it would save Fallbrook the traffic nightmare when all the construction starts. Not to mention all the future pedestrian accidents that are inevitable now. Nobody seems to care about that until they can’t get to work on time, or a member of their family gets killed walking in front of the place. Believe me, McDonald’s didn’t take safety into consideration whatsoever in their plans.

This is just a sign of things to come to collapse more small businesses in Fallbrook. The rich get richer, small businesses fold, and the working citizens become really poor. Nobody here will care until it affects them, when they can’t afford to buy a home, run a business, shop anywhere in town, or earn a living.

I don’t really understand FCPGs logic here. Put up a bunch of "pretty" trees, and leave an empty building on main to sit and collect dust. And what’s with the planning committee not even looking at 700 signatures. Does the voice of the community not count? I’ve heard local business owners complain about how hard it is to deal with the FCPG and how arbitrary their rules seem to be. From what I’ve heard, it seems that if you don’t "fit" what a couple of women have in mind for Fallbrook you don’t get to play. Yet if you try to ask why you were denied or how you can become compliant your questions go unanswered.

The real question is what does the FCGP have to gain by this move? I can’t imagine trees are the only thing going on here.

What we re dealing with here, and what the FCPG is dealing with, as several people have tried (obviously in vain) to point out is 1. Zoning Laws and 2. Property Rights. The planning group cannot just arbitrarily turn a project down because 700 people signed a petition if the project in question meets all zoning requirements. The law is the law. What the planning group did was make some modifications to the original plan submitted and McDonalds met all their requirements. End of discussion. I agree that some of the FCPG members come off sounding arrogant, and I believe that they have a real problem with the way they speak to the public (after all we elected them) however, that being said, the planning group did what they had to do, their hands were tied, there was no lawful reason they could turn this project down. The county planning dept is up next and the ball is in their court. We will see what they do, but my guess is that they will require beaucoup bucks be spent by McDonalds for road improvements before they can proceed, and, my guess again, is that McD’ will comply. I believe that we all feel sorry for the business owners affected, and I have no idea what went into the property owners decision to lease to McDonald’s, but, once again, as some people have pointed out, it is the right of the property owner to do what he will with his own property as long as it is done lawfully.

I hope that Del Taco comes to Fallbrook in the old McDonalds building.

And if the new McDonald’s is an inevitable business on the corner, that they have an indoor area for children to play (the one at the current McDonalds is totally gross and boring, fills up with water easily).

It would also be nice if McDonalds had some decent food, I don’t think its very cheap but the quality is totally gross. Star place (forgot its name) and Burger King make far better tasting burgers than McDonalds. I think the new location would be nice, but I have also heard that Happy Jug is a beautiful liquor store. I am sure they can find a new location that suits them, possibly can upgrade to a better building and not be associated with the negative connotations mentioned by residents on this forum. And the bar, if it is one of those fun cheap dive bars, can probably just move anywhere and it will still attract people.

And I read the earlier comment of the guys who owns the smog shop, sounds like the people who plan for Fallbrook are pontificating and self serving. Anyone in any type of conversation etiquette should not cut others off and selfishly perpetuate their own ideas without giving consideration to others’.

Delaney (FCPG) member mentions how NICE the trees will look. What about the traffic congestion at this intersection? Did Delaney seriously take this into consideration? At least I’LL HAVE SEVERAL MINUTES TO ADMIRE THOSE TREES WHILE i AM STUCK IN TRAFFIC! Not a sound decision!

McDonald’s has been in Fallbrook for over 30 years you know, it isn’t like they just snuck in the back door, they are just moving locations. We also have a taco bell, a burger king, Carls Jr., etc. so we have several "corporations" here already. We also have a bunch of so called mom and pops. I’m willing to support everybody. Hope Happy Jug finds a new home. It’s a shame but stuff happens.

I pray that the planning dept. will take a good look at the mistakes they made on the last changes of the intersection as I have had several bad encounters with traffic, It was a BAD plan to take away a line.What were they thinking? And how is that corner going to handle the traffic? Were going to turn in to Venture and God help us Orange co. Whats going to happen to our Friendly Village?

P.S. I agree with John!! Make them turn right or at the very least install a turn lane so they don’t hold up everyone else going to the right. I’m hoping that the county will show some common sense (for once) and make McD’s pay some big bucks to improve that intersection.

Anyone that thinks the county of SD will do anything that actually makes fallbrook safer is hallucinating. the county will grease the way for Mickey D’s slicker than than a chicken nugget and collect as many big fat fees that they can – to spend elsewhere – certainly not in this town. New construction = new $$$$ for the coffers – but not to benefit us. Get real. They don’t care and fallbrook people will play into it by driving through for their mc caffeine and supersized yuck….. oh yeah and complain about the traffic while they are at it.

Hey never mind about the so-called "beautification" on the corner! Why is it that MacDonalds needs a bigger better store anyway! I don’t think we need another fast food place! That is not what is really needed in our town right now! Speaking of the traffic and all the problems this "new" development will cause. Well, have you even noticed the stream of traffic that files out of the Marine base everyday and clogs up Mission road all the way to the 15! Every single day during the week I can count hundreds, yes, hundreds of cars slowly making their way to the 15 freeway! I know because i live near there and believe me you don’t want to try and get anywhere fast during the 4:00 to 6:00 pm hours! Its unbelievable the amount of vehicles that use Mission road at those times! Why at this point in time haven’t the "planning" (yeah right) commitee and probably Cal Trans thought of making another "outlet" from the north end of the base for those living in Temecula that could make access from that point and relieve Mission of so much traffic! I’ve lived here 15 yrs. and before the signals were placed at the 15 the traffic flowed pretty well on its own. Now of course the traffic has increased and probably will continue but something for the future will ultimately have to be done!
And so it is we are more worried about a big corporation fast food industry wanting to build a "pretty" more "functional" store to sell more greasy unhealthful foods to the citizens of Fallbrook!

rosannabana – That will never happen, period! The cost of doing business has gotten WAYYYYYYYYYY out of hand! There is no way on God’s good green Earth that a bypass road, for CP specific traffic to use, would be developed. Ever since the Temecula Valley (and beyond) exploded with affordable housing for the middle class the traffic to and fro increased 10 fold. You should know that difference as well, since you have been here 15 years. That boom started about 12 years ago…

To all with the comments bout the Main Place. How many of you have been in that so called dive? Exactly. The tenents of that bar went in there and cleaned that place up spending their own money on repairs and upgrades.
That bar is clean and a fun place to go. The owners even feed you free breakfast on Sundays. Its a shame that there lively hood and that of their employees will now be in jepordy. For what that awful food at mcds. All you in favor of this need to move to the big city. I love that they’re going to add more trees. Fallbrook definitely has a shortage of trees. Not! What they’re really going to add is a heck of a lot of traffic Big city problems in a small town.

we need some changes on that cornor. no more drunks,and loud mouth woman, standing out there. a change will be nice…. McDonalds helps feed the people and there kids, for cheep for the people that cant go to a reg rest. get a grip people we need a change.